MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The National Power Corp. (NPC) issued a notice on the preparatory phase of dam discharge warning operation as the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan has reached 273.08 meters above sea level (masl) as of 2 p.m. Tuesday.

NPC-San Roque Dam office flood operation manager Teresa Serra said in a phone interview that they may open one gate of the dam at 0.5 meters at 4 p.m. on Wednesday if rainfall persists.

"If it would pursue, the gate opening would only release 60 to 70 cubic meters per second as precautionary for San Roque Dam's water elevation to go down and would have little to no effect on the river systems," she said.

The dam's spilling level is 280 masl.

Serra said they are continuously monitoring the weather amid the prevailing southwest monsoon or ‘’habagat,’’ especially in the upland, as Ambuklao and Binga Dams continue to release water to San Roque Dam.

"In light of this, we advise you to remain on alert and take the necessary preparatory measures due to the possibility of spilling operations, which may be conducted if significant rainfall impacts the basin due to southwest monsoon," the notice said.

Serra said the notice was issued to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and its counterparts in the towns of San Manuel, San Nicolas, Asingan, Tayug, Santa Maria, Rosales, Villasis, Santo Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, and Bayambang.

"We urge them to promptly disseminate this information to their constituents, particularly those residing near or along the riverbanks. Relevant dam information and corresponding warnings will be issued at the appropriate time based on the development of the weather disturbance. Please remain on alert until further notice," she said.

Some parts of Pangasinan continue to experience flooding due to swollen river systems and heavy rainfall caused by the previous weather disturbances and effects of the southwest monsoon. (PNA)